One of my favorite authors and a personal favorite mentor of mine is Jim Rohn. He said that “Everyone has the capacity to impact and influence others in meaningful ways, to lead.”

I’ll bet some of you are saying to yourself, “Well, not me. I haven’t got the talent or the knowledge to lead. My background/education/gender, etc., is holding me back.” Did you know that being a leader is a learned skill? It has almost nothing to do with your background, skill or gender and everything to do with your attitude and your desire to become a leader.

There are many things that go into becoming an accomplished and respected leader. Napoleon Hill outlined 17 skills you’ll need in his masterwork, The Law of Success. You could spend a lifetime becoming a great leader (and every successful leader does).
So, where do you start on your journey to becoming a great leader? Here are some of my thoughts:

Develop a sincere interest in people. Learn to ask great questions and get to know the people around you. People love to hear their own name and are excited when you get to know them as individuals.

Read and study every day. There are many authors that have devoted their lives to enhancing others’ ability to lead. Some of the greats are Napoleon Hill, Jim Rohn, John Maxwell and Tony Robbins to name just a few. Libraries and bookstores are full of leadership-related books and workbooks to help.

Take advantage of every opportunity to see and hear leaders speak on leadership skills. When you put yourself in an environment of success, you will learn by watching and listening.

Find a mentor. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to become a successful and respected leader. Find someone who has already done what you want to do and look to them for guidance and support.
Don’t expect immediate success in our “microwave” world. Skill-building takes time and focus, causing some to say, “Is it worth it?”
I say, “Absolutely. Play full out and make your dreams come true.”